Fact Sheet — Arranged Employment

Overview

Employers who would like to offer a permanent job to a foreign national wanting to immigrate to Canada can facilitate this with a qualifying job offer under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The foreign national can be either a temporary foreign worker (TFW) already in Canada, or someone abroad. The foreign national must meet other requirements of the FSWP and have at least one year of work experience in a professional, managerial, or technical occupation under Canada’s National Occupational Classification system.

Note that CIC has proposed changes to the FSWP’s Arranged Employment factor, which are expected to take effect in early 2013.

Advantages to Employers

This program is popular with employers as a means of attracting global talent on a permanent basis. CIC places priority on new FSW applications with qualifying job offers.

An additional advantage for employers is they are not restricted to hiring people for an occupation which CIC has identified as being in demand.

How It Works

If recruiting from overseas: Employers must submit an application to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) for an Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO). HRSDC must assess the genuineness of employment offers made by employers interested in hiring a foreign skilled worker. The employment must be permanent, non-seasonal and full time, and wages and working conditions offered for the job must be comparable to those offered to Canadians working in the occupation. HRSDC reviews the employer’s application and, if valid, provides the employer with an AEO letter of confirmation. The employer would then provide this, along with a job offer letter, to the foreign worker to include in his immigration application.

If recruiting a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) already in Canada: With some exceptions (e.g., when the job offer is issued by a different employer than on the TFW’s existing work permit), most TFWs who are already in Canada can submit their FSW application (with a qualifying job offer) directly to CIC for consideration. In such cases, a separate application does not need to be made to HRSDC for an AEO.

It is worth noting that most foreign nationals recruited overseas can be brought in as TFWs while their application for permanent residence is being processed.

For more information:

• Skilled workers and professionals: Who can apply – Arranged employment
• Hiring Skilled Workers and Supporting their Permanent Immigration (HRSDC)

Facts and Figures

• In 2011, CIC received more than 8,100 FSW applications with arranged employment, including senior executives of international companies.
• In 2010, approximately 32,800 TFWs transitioned to permanent residence.

Last updated: October 1, 2012